System and method for breeding and harvesting insects

ABSTRACT

In an aspect, a system for breeding and harvesting insects is provided and includes an egg-producing chamber structure configured to receive insect pupae for pupation and to permit emerged adult insects to mate and oviposit insect eggs, at least one oviposition region in the egg-producing chamber structure configured to receive the insect eggs and apertured to permit at least one of the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs to pass therethrough, at least one larvae-growth chamber in communication with the at least one oviposition region so as to be configured to receive the at least one of the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs, wherein the larvae-growth chamber is further configured to permit the at least one of the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs to transition into larvae and to hold feed material for the larvae, a harvesting receptacle positioned to hold larvae, and an inclined surface positioned to receive larvae from the at least one larvae-growth chamber, and to provide a passageway for the larvae to travel to the harvesting receptacle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/339,900 filed Oct. 31, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/249,187 filed Oct. 31, 2015, and to PCTPatent Application No. PCT/EP2015/065274 filed Jul. 5, 2015, whichclaims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/021,111 filed Jul. 5, 2014, the contents of all of which areincorporated herein in their entirety.

FIELD

The specification relates generally to the breeding and harvesting ofinsects and more particularly to systems and methods for breeding andharvesting insects.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Insects are typically raised as a feed for animals such as pets. Theyhave also been raised as a feed for livestock such as fish, poultry andpigs. More recently, “Entomophagy”, the human consumption of insects,has become more popular in the Western world. With increased demand forinsects for such purposes, there is a need to develop processes andsystems to breed and harvest insects.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Disclosed is a system for producing insects for uses including, but notlimited to, human and animal consumption. The system allows the breedingand harvesting of the flour beetle (lat. Tenebrio Molitor) and theirlifestages.

However, the process or certain parts of the process are not limited tothe species and may be applied to other species. The system assists thefull lifecycle of the beetles, eggs, larvae and pupae and attempts toautomate it on a household scale, with alternative embodiments toupscale for larger production.

One of the main challenges currently in breeding Tenebrio Molitor is thefollowing: the larvae (“mealworms”) live within their food, their frassand carcasses and other detritus. Once a person desires to harvest themealworms for themselves or for their pet, the larvae have to beseparated from the other lifestages, and from the frass, dirt andcarcasses and other detritus. A proposed method includes sieving withdifferent sized sieves, and may additionally or alternatively includevibration, heat and light (in various embodiments), and mechanicalagitation combined with sieve structures in order to automate theseparation process.

According to some embodiments, there is a system for breeding andharvesting insects. The system includes, but is not necessarily limitedto: an egg-producing chamber structure configured to receive insectpupae for pupation and to permit emerged adult insects to mate andoviposit insect eggs, at least one oviposition region in theegg-producing chamber structure configured to receive the insect eggsand apertured to permit at least one of the insect eggs and neonates ofthe insect eggs to pass therethrough, a larvae-growth chamber incommunication with the at least one oviposition region so as to beconfigured to receive the at least one of the insect eggs and neonatesof the insect eggs from the at least one oviposition region, wherein thelarvae-growth chamber is further configured to permit the at least oneof the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs to transition intolarvae and to hold feed material for the larvae, a harvesting receptaclein communication with the larvae-growth chamber and at least oneinclined surface configured to provide at least a partial passageway forthe larvae to travel from the larvae-growth chamber to the harvestingreceptacle. at least one oviposition region is provided in at least onenozzle structure; the at least one oviposition region is provided in atleast one nozzle structure; the inclined surface comprises a migrationramp connecting the larvae-growth chamber to the harvesting receptacle;the inclined surface comprises an inclined wall portion of thelarvae-growth chamber; the inclined wall portion is the peripheral wallof the larvae-growth chamber and provides the at least partialpassageway about the entire periphery of the larvae-growth chamber.further comprising an access sleeve coupled to the chamber structure andconfigured to provide access to a component interior of theegg-producing chamber structure, wherein the access sleeve comprises amaterial that has a texture sufficient to allow at least one of debrisand dead insects within the egg-producing chamber structure to adhere tothe access sleeve, wherein the access sleeve is removably coupled to theegg-producing chamber structure.

According to some embodiments, there is a method for breeding andharvesting insects. The method includes, but is not necessarily limitedto: providing an egg-producing chamber structure configured to receiveinsect pupae for pupation and to permit emerged adult insects to mateand oviposit insect eggs, exposing the emerged adult insects to lightincluding at least one wavelength of light conducive to mating betweenthe emerged adult insects, receiving the insect eggs in at least oneoviposition region of the egg-producing chamber structure, providing alarvae-growth chamber in communication with the at least one ovipositionregion so as to be configured to receive at least one of the insect eggsand neonates of the insect eggs from the at least one ovipositionregion, wherein the larvae-growth chamber is configured to permit the atleast one of the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs totransition into larvae and is configured to hold feed material for thelarvae, and providing at least one inclined surface configured to permitthe larvae to travel at least partly from the larvae-growth chamber to aharvesting receptacle.

According to some embodiments, there is a system for breeding andharvesting insects. The system includes, but is not necessarily limitedto: an egg-producing chamber structure configured to receive insectpupae for pupation and to permit emerged adult insects to mate andoviposit insect eggs, at least one oviposition region in theegg-producing chamber structure configured to receive the insect eggsand apertured to permit at least one of the insect eggs and neonates ofthe insect eggs to pass therethrough, a larvae-growth chamber incommunication with the at least one oviposition region so as to beconfigured to receive the at least one of the insect eggs and theneonates of the insect eggs from the at least one oviposition region,wherein the larvae-growth chamber is further configured to permit the atleast one of the insect eggs and the neonates to transition into larvaeand to hold feed material for the larvae, and a harvesting receptacle incommunication with the larvae-growth chamber. The larvae-growth chamberincludes at least one inclined wall portion configured to provide atleast a partial passageway for the larvae to travel from thelarvae-growth chamber to the harvesting receptacle.

According to some embodiments, there is a method for breeding andharvesting insects. The method includes, but is not necessarily limitedto: providing an egg-producing chamber structure configured to receiveinsect pupae for pupation and to permit emerged adult insects to mateand oviposit insect eggs, exposing the emerged adult insects to lightincluding at least one wavelength of light conducive to mating betweenthe emerged adult insects, receiving the insect eggs in at least oneoviposition region of the egg-producing chamber structure, and providinga larvae-growth chamber in communication with the at least oneoviposition region so as to be configured to receive at least one of theinsect eggs and the neonates of the insect eggs from the at least oneoviposition region, wherein the larvae-growth chamber is configured topermit the at least one of the insect eggs and neonates of the insecteggs to transition into larvae and is configured to hold feed materialfor the larvae, and wherein the larvae-growth chamber includes at leastone inclined wall portion configured to provide at least a partialpassageway for the larvae to travel from the larvae-growth chamber to aharvesting receptacle.

According to some embodiments, there is a system for breeding andharvesting insects. The system includes, but is not necessarily limitedto: an egg-producing chamber structure configured to receive insectpupae for pupation and to permit emerged adult insects to mate andoviposit insect eggs, at least one oviposition region in theegg-producing chamber structure configured to receive the insect eggsand apertured to permit at least one of the insect eggs and neonates ofthe insect eggs to pass therethrough, a larvae-growth chamber incommunication with the at least one oviposition region so as to beconfigured to receive the at least one of the insect eggs and neonatesof the insect eggs from the at least one oviposition region, wherein thelarvae-growth chamber is further configured to permit the at least oneof the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs to transition intolarvae and to hold feed material for the larvae, and a harvestingreceptacle in communication with the larvae-growth chamber. Thelarvae-growth chamber includes an inclined wall configured to provide atleast a partial passageway for the larvae to travel from thelarvae-growth chamber to the harvesting receptacle, and the inclinedwall provides the at least partial passageway about the entire peripheryof the larvae-growth chamber.

According to some embodiments, there is a system for breeding andharvesting insects. The system includes, but is not necessarily limitedto: an egg-producing chamber structure configured to receive insectpupae for pupation and to permit emerged adult insects to mate andoviposit insect eggs, the egg-producing chamber structure including apupation chamber having at least one aperture configured to allow theemerged adult insects to exit the pupation chamber, at least oneoviposition region in the egg-producing chamber structure configured toreceive the insect eggs and apertured to permit at least one of theinsect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs to pass therethrough, alarvae-growth chamber in communication with the at least one ovipositionregion so as to be configured to receive the at least one of the insecteggs and neonates of the insect eggs from the at least one ovipositionregion, wherein the larvae-growth chamber is further configured topermit the at least one of the insect eggs and neonates of the insecteggs to transition into larvae and to hold feed material for the larvae,a harvesting receptacle in communication with the larvae-growth chamberand a light source interior to the pupation chamber configured to exposethe emerged adult insects to light including at least one wavelength oflight conducive to mating between the emerged adult insects. Thelarvae-growth chamber includes at least one inclined wall portionconfigured to provide at least a partial passageway for the larvae totravel from the larvae-growth chamber to the harvesting receptacle.

According to some embodiments, there is a system for breeding andharvesting insects. The system includes, but is not necessarily limitedto: an egg-producing chamber structure configured to receive insectpupae for pupation and to permit emerged adult insects to mate andoviposit insect eggs, at least one oviposition region in theegg-producing chamber structure configured to receive the insect eggsand apertured to permit at least one of the insect eggs and neonates ofthe insect eggs to pass therethrough, a larvae-growth chamber incommunication with the at least one oviposition region so as to beconfigured to receive the at least one of the insect eggs and neonatesof the insect eggs from the at least one oviposition region. Thelarvae-growth chamber is further configured to permit the at least oneof the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs to transition intolarvae and to hold feed material for the larvae and a harvestingreceptacle in communication with the larvae-growth chamber. Thelarvae-growth chamber includes at least one inclined wall portionconfigured to provide at least a partial passageway for the larvae totravel from the larvae-growth chamber to the harvesting receptacle. Theegg-producing chamber structure includes at least one one-way exitstructure configured to permit adult insects which emerge in thelarvae-growth chamber to exit the larvae-growth chamber into theegg-producing chamber structure and to inhibit the adult insects whichemerge in the larvae-growth chamber from re-entering the larvae-growthchamber through the at least one one-way exit structure. at least one ofthe at least one one-way exit structure is a one-way exit nozzlestructure.

According to some embodiments, there is a system for breeding andharvesting insects. The system includes, but is not necessarily limitedto: an egg-producing chamber structure configured to receive insectpupae for pupation and to permit emerged adult insects to mate andoviposit insect eggs, at least one oviposition region in theegg-producing chamber structure configured to receive the insect eggsand apertured to permit at least one of the insect eggs and neonates ofthe insect eggs to pass therethrough, a larvae-growth chamber incommunication with the at least one oviposition region so as to beconfigured to receive the at least one of the insect eggs and neonatesof the insect eggs from the at least one oviposition region, wherein thelarvae-growth chamber is further configured to permit the at least oneof the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs to transition intolarvae and to hold feed material for the larvae, a harvesting receptaclein communication with the larvae-growth chamber. The larvae-growthchamber includes at least one inclined wall portion configured toprovide at least a partial passageway for the larvae to travel from thelarvae-growth chamber to the harvesting receptacle via a larvae exitaperture. The larvae-growth chamber includes a larvae exit plug sized toengage the larvae exit aperture and to prevent the larvae from exitingthe larvae-growth chamber via the larvae exit aperture.

According to some embodiments, there is a system for breeding andharvesting insects. The system includes, but is not necessarily limitedto: an egg-producing chamber structure configured to receive insectpupae for pupation and to permit emerged adult insects to mate andoviposit insect eggs, the egg-producing chamber structure including apupation chamber having at least one aperture configured to allow theemerged adult insects to exit the pupation chamber, at least oneoviposition region in the egg-producing chamber structure configured toreceive the insect eggs and apertured to permit at least one of theinsect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs to pass therethrough, alarvae-growth chamber in communication with the at least one ovipositionregion so as to be configured to receive the at least one of the insecteggs and neonates of the insect eggs from the at least one ovipositionregion, wherein the larvae-growth chamber is further configured topermit the at least one of the insect eggs and neonates of the insecteggs to transition into larvae and to hold feed material for the larvaeand a harvesting receptacle in communication with the larvae-growthchamber. The larvae-growth chamber includes at least one inclined wallportion configured to provide at least a partial passageway for thelarvae to travel from the larvae-growth chamber to the harvestingreceptacle. The pupation chamber includes a nutrient compartmentconfigured to hold at least one of a hydrating fluid, a pad and a clothimpregnated with the hydrating fluid to hydrate the adult emergedinsects.

According to some embodiments, there is a system for breeding andharvesting insects. The system includes, but is not necessarily limitedto: an egg-producing chamber structure configured to receive insectpupae for pupation and to permit emerged adult insects to mate andoviposit insect eggs, at least one oviposition region in theegg-producing chamber structure configured to receive the insect eggsand apertured to permit at least one of the insect eggs and neonates ofthe insect eggs to pass therethrough, a larvae-growth chamber incommunication with the at least one oviposition region so as to beconfigured to receive the at least one of the insect eggs and neonatesof the insect eggs from the at least one oviposition region, wherein thelarvae-growth chamber is further configured to permit the at least oneof the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs to transition intolarvae and to hold feed material for the larvae, a harvesting receptaclein communication with the larvae-growth chamber, a waste receptacle incommunication with the larvae-growth chamber via at least one wasteaperture, and a filter device included in the at least one wasteaperture and configured to filter excess fluids in waste materialpassing through the at least one waste aperture while preventing atleast one of the larvae from travelling from the larvae-growth chamberto the waste receptacle through the at least one waste aperture. Thelarvae-growth chamber includes at least one inclined wall portionconfigured to provide at least a partial passageway for the larvae totravel from the larvae-growth chamber to the harvesting receptacle.

According to some embodiments, there is a system for breeding andharvesting insects. The system includes, but is not necessarily limitedto: an egg-producing chamber structure configured to receive insectpupae for pupation and to permit emerged adult insects to mate andoviposit insect eggs, at least one oviposition region in theegg-producing chamber structure configured to receive the insect eggsand apertured to permit at least one of the insect eggs and neonates ofthe insect eggs to pass therethrough, a larvae-growth chamber incommunication with the at least one oviposition region so as to beconfigured to receive the at least one of the insect eggs and neonatesof the insect eggs from the at least one oviposition region, wherein thelarvae-growth chamber is further configured to permit the at least oneof the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs to transition intolarvae and to hold feed material for the larvae, at least one inclinedsurface configured to provide at least a partial passageway for thelarvae to travel from the larvae-growth chamber to a harvestingreceptacle in communication with the larvae growth chamber.

According to some embodiments, there is a system for breeding andharvesting insects. The system includes, but is not necessarily limitedto: At least one egg-producing chamber structure configured to receiveinsect pupae for pupation and to permit emerged adult insects to mateand oviposit insect eggs; at least one oviposition region in theegg-producing chamber structure configured to receive the insect eggsand apertured to permit at least one of the insect eggs and neonates ofthe insect eggs to pass therethrough; at least one larvae-growth chamberin communication with the at least one oviposition region so as to beconfigured to receive the at least one of the insect eggs and neonatesof the insect eggs, wherein the larvae-growth chamber is furtherconfigured to permit the at least one of the insect eggs and neonates ofthe insect eggs to transition into larvae and to hold feed material forthe larvae; a harvesting receptacle positioned to hold larvae; at leastone inclined surface positioned to receive larvae from the larvae-growthchamber, and a passageway for the larvae to travel to the harvestingreceptacle.

According to some embodiments, there is a system for breeding andharvesting insects. The system includes, but is not necessarily limitedto: an egg-producing chamber structure configured to receive insectpupae for pupation and to permit emerged adult insects to mate andoviposit insect eggs; at least one oviposition region in theegg-producing chamber structure configured to receive the insect eggsand apertured to permit at least one of the insect eggs and neonates ofthe insect eggs to pass therethrough; at least one larvae-growth chamberin communication with the at least one oviposition region so as to beconfigured to receive the at least one of the insect eggs and neonatesof the insect eggs from the at least one oviposition region, wherein thelarvae-growth chamber is further configured to permit the at least oneof the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs to transition intolarvae and to hold feed material for the larvae; and a harvestingreceptacle positioned to hold larvae; and a larvae reception surfacepositioned to receive larvae from the larvae-growth chamber and providepassageway for the larvae to travel to the harvesting receptacle; atleast one larvae motivation element selected from the group of larvaemotivation elements consisting of: a heat element, a vibration elementand a light element, wherein the at least one larvae motivation elementis positioned and activated to act on larvae to urge the larvae to leavea larvae reception surface via the passageway.

According to some embodiments, there is a system for breeding andharvesting insects. The system includes, but is not necessarily limitedto: an egg producing chamber structure configured to receive insectpupae for pupation and to permit emerged adult insects to mate andoviposit insect eggs, the egg-producing chamber structure including apupation chamber having at least one aperture configured to allow theemerged adult insects to exit the pupation chamber; at least oneoviposition region in the egg-producing chamber structure configured toreceive the insect eggs and apertured to permit at least one of theinsect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs to pass therethrough; alarvae-growth chamber in communication with the at least one ovipositionregion so as to be configured to receive the at least one of the insecteggs and neonates of the insect eggs from the at least one ovipositionregion, wherein the larvae-growth chamber is further configured topermit the at least one of the insect eggs and neonates of the insecteggs to transition into larvae and to hold feed material for the larvae;a harvesting receptacle positioned to hold larvae; and a light sourceinterior to the pupation chamber configured to expose the emerged adultinsects with light including at least one wavelength of light conduciveto mating between the emerged adult insects; at least one receptaclesurface configured to receive larvae from larvae-growth chambers and toprovide a passageway for the larvae to travel to the harvestingreceptacle; a microclimate control system, which includes: a heatsource, a light source, a fan, a temperature and humidity sensor whichmonitors the temperature and humidity in the at least one larvae-growthchamber, and a control sub-system programmed to control a microclimatein the at least one larvae-growth chamber, using the heat source, thelight source, the sensor, and the fan.

It will be noted that the term “growth chamber tray” may be used as anexample of a “larvae-growth chamber”. The term “harvest tray” may beused as an example of a “harvest receptacle”. The term “ovipositioninlay” may be used as an example of an “egg-producing chamberstructure”, the area except the pupation area in the oviposition inlaycorresponding to an “oviposition region”. The term “pupation area” maybe used as an example of a “pupation chamber”. The term “harvest plate”may be used as an example of a “harvest receptacle surface” and mayinclude an “inclined surface/wall”.

In another aspect, a system is provided for breeding and harvestinginsects, including an egg-producing chamber structure configured toreceive insect pupae for pupation and to permit emerged adult insects tomate and oviposit insect eggs, at least one oviposition region in theegg-producing chamber structure configured to receive the insect eggsand apertured to permit at least one of the insect eggs and neonates ofthe insect eggs to pass therethrough, at least one larvae-growth chamberin communication with the at least one oviposition region so as to beconfigured to receive the at least one of the insect eggs and neonatesof the insect eggs, wherein the larvae-growth chamber is furtherconfigured to permit the at least one of the insect eggs and neonates ofthe insect eggs to transition into larvae and to hold feed material forthe larvae, a separation area positioned to hold larvae, and detritusfrom the at least one larvae growth chamber, a harvesting receptaclepositioned to hold larvae, a passageway for the larvae to travel fromthe separation area to the harvesting receptacle, at least one larvaemotivation element selected from the group of larvae motivation elementsconsisting of: a heat element, a vibration element and a light element,and mechanical agitator, wherein the at least one larvae motivationelement is positioned and activated to act on larvae to urge the larvaeto leave the separation area and enter the passageway.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the various embodiments described hereinand to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, referencewill now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawingsin which:

FIG. 1A depicts a side elevation view of a cross-section of a system forbreeding and harvesting insects, according to non-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 1B depicts a side elevation view of the system for breeding andharvesting insects in FIG. 1A, according to non-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 2A depicts a front elevation view of the system for breeding andharvesting insects in FIG. 1A, according to non-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 2B depicts a rear elevation view of the system for breeding andharvesting insects in FIG. 1A, according to non-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 3 depicts a side elevation view of a cross-section of the systemfor breeding and harvesting insects in FIG. 1A, showing a light sourceconfigured to provide light including a wavelength of light conducive tomating between adult insects, according to non-limiting embodiments;

FIGS. 4A to 4C depict a top view, perspective view and side view of anozzle structure including an oviposition region, according tonon-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 5 depicts a partially exploded, perspective view of the system forbreeding and harvesting insects in FIG. 1A, according to non-limitingembodiments;

FIGS. 6A to 6C depict side cross-section views of pupation chambers,according to non-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 6D depicts a perspective cross-section view of the pupation chambershown in FIG. 6C, according to non-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of the system for breeding andharvesting insects in FIG. 1A, according to non-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of a migration ramp, according tononlimiting embodiments;

FIG. 9 depicts a flowchart of a method for breeding and harvestinginsects, according to non-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a system for breeding andharvesting insects, according to a second set of non-limitingembodiments;

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of the system for breeding andharvesting insects in FIG. 10, with a partial cutaway of the chamberstructure, according to a second set of non-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 12A depicts a top plan view of the system for breeding andharvesting insects in FIG. 10, with a portion of the mating andoviposition chamber removed, according to a second set of non-limitingembodiments;

FIG. 12B depicts a side, cross-section view of the system for breedingand harvesting insects in FIG. 10 showing at least one ovipositionregion including a mesh structure, according to a second set ofnon-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 12C depicts a top plan view of an oviposition region of 12Bincluding the mesh structure, according to a second set of non-limitingembodiments;

FIG. 12D depicts a side, cross-section view of the oviposition regionshown in FIG. 12C, according to a second set of non-limitingembodiments;

FIG. 12E depicts a top elevation view of a pair of oviposition plates,according to non-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 12F depicts a side elevation view of the pair of oviposition platesshown in FIG. 12E, according to non-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 13A depicts a perspective view of a pupation chamber, according toa second set of non-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 13B depicts a cross-section view of the pupation chamber shown inFIG. 13A, according to a second set of non-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 13C depicts a perspective view of a pupation chamber, according toa second set of non-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 13D depicts a cross-section of the pupation chamber shown in FIG.13A including a pupation heat mat, according to non-limitingembodiments;

FIG. 14 depicts a side, cross-section view of the system for breedingand harvesting insects in FIG. 10, according to a second set ofnon-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 15A depicts a top plan view of a larvae-growth chamber, accordingto a second set of non-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 15B depicts a filter cylinder for filtering waste fluids from thelarvae-growth chamber to the waste receptacle, according to non-limitingembodiments;

FIG. 15C depicts an exploded view of the filter cylinder shown in FIG.15B, according to non-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 16A depicts a perspective view of the mating and ovipositionchamber shown in FIG. 10 including a cleaning sleeve, according to asecond set of nonlimiting embodiments;

FIG. 16B depicts a side, cross-section view of the mating andoviposition chamber including the cleaning sleeve of FIG. 16A;

FIG. 16C depicts the cleaning sleeve shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B inisolation;

FIG. 17 depicts a flowchart of a method for breeding and harvestinginsects, according to a second set of non-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 18 depicts a larvae-growth chamber including a hooked substrate,according to non-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 19 depicts an enlarged view of the hooked substrate shown in FIG.18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternative harvest structure;

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thesystem;

FIG. 21B is a sectional elevation view of the system shown in FIG. 21A;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a variant of the system shown in FIG.21A;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a larvae-growth chamber that is part ofthe system shown in FIG. 21A in a shelf;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a larvae-growth chamber that is part ofthe system shown in FIG. 21A;

FIG. 25 is a sectional side view of a removable carbon filter which canbe slid into a cover of the larvae-growth chamber;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the cover shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a tray including two ovipositionregions and a pupation region;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an oviposition inlay including twooviposition regions and a pupation region;

FIG. 29 is a sectional side view of a harvesting structure that is partof the system shown in FIG. 21A;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a shelf structure that is usable tohold a larvae-growth chamber that is part of the system shown in FIG.21A;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a larvae-growth chamber that is part ofthe system shown in FIG. 21A;

FIG. 32 is a sectional side view of a portion of the harvestingstructure that is shown in FIG. 29;

FIGS. 33 and 34 are plan views of a sieve that is usable to help harvestprepupae which can be used as part of the system shown in FIG. 21A;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a harvest plate that is part of thesystem shown in FIG. 21A;

FIG. 36 illustrates the lifecycle of the insect: mealworm (Tenebrio);and

FIG. 37 is an illustration from a user manual for the system shown inFIG. 21A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are systems and methods for breeding insects for, butnot limited to, human as well as animal consumption. The systems andmethods allow for the breeding and harvesting of the black soldier fly,also known as Hermetia illucens, and their larvae; the systems andmethods also allow for breeding and harvesting flour beetle (Tenebriomolitor) and its eggs, larvae and pupae. However, the systems andmethods are not limited to this insect species and, according to someembodiments, may be applied to other insect species.

The described systems and methods facilitates the full lifecycle of theinsects and their larvae, and attempts to automate the lifecycle on ahousehold scale, with some embodiments capable of being scaled up forlarger production.

It is understood that for the purpose of this disclosure, language of“at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “one or more of X, Y and Z” can beconstrued as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or moreitems X, Y, and Z (e.g., XYZ, XYY, YZ, ZZ).

It is also understood that the terms “couple”, “coupled”, “connect”,“connected” are not limited to direct mating between the describedcomponents, but also contemplate the use of intermediate components toachieve the connection or coupling.

The device may be made from any suitable materials, including syntheticmaterials, ceramic materials, metal materials, composite materials, orany suitable combination thereof.

FIGS. 1A to 8 depict an example system 100 for breeding and harvestinginsects. The system 100 is at least partially enclosed and can be usedto breed and harvest black soldier flies and their larvae. In someembodiments, the system 100 is used for breeding and harvesting otherinsect species.

The system 100 includes an egg-producing chamber structure 105 that isconfigured to receive insect pupae, such pupae 110 (FIG. 3), forpupation and to permit emerged adult insects to mate and oviposit insecteggs. The egg-producing chamber structure 105 may be any suitable shapeand size. The egg-producing chamber structure 105 can include one ormore chambers. In some embodiments, multiple insect lifecycle stages areat least started in the same chamber. In some embodiments, one or moreof insect lifecycle stages are performed in separate chambers. Forexample, system 100 includes a pupation chamber 115 and a mating andoviposition chamber 120. The pupae 110 and prepupae (also referred toherein as “premature prepupae”) are placed into the pupation chamber 115in order to emerge as adult insects. The insect lifecycle can be startedand restarted in the pupation chamber 115. The emerged adult insects canthen move into the mating and oviposition chamber 120 to mate andoviposit insect eggs. Particular features of the pupation chamber 115and the mating and oviposition chamber 120 are described further below.

The egg-producing chamber structure 105 includes at least one egg-layingor oviposition region 125 (FIG. 2A) that is configured to receive theinsect eggs and is apertured to permit at least one of the insect eggsand neonates of the insect eggs to pass therethrough. For example, insome embodiments, the at least one oviposition region 125 is included inat least one nozzle structure 130 (FIG. 2A) in the egg-producing chamberstructure 105. However, any suitable location for the oviposition region125 in the egg-producing chamber structure 105 is contemplated. Theoviposition region 125 can take any suitable configuration that isapertured to permit at least one of the insect eggs and the neonates ofthe insect eggs to pass through. For example, the oviposition region 125can include at least one egg receiving aperture 135 (FIGS. 4A to 4C)sized to allow at least one of the insect eggs and the neonates of theinsect eggs to pass through. For example, the oviposition region 125 canbe formed as a perforated solid structure, shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C (as amembrane 140 interior of the nozzle structure 130). As another example,the oviposition region 125 can include at least one mesh structure. Anexample mesh structure is shown in FIGS. 12B to 12D and is describedfurther below. In some embodiments, the oviposition region 125 isremovable from the egg-producing chamber structure 105 to, for example,clean the oviposition region 125.

FIGS. 6A to 6D show three examples of the pupation chamber 115: apupation chamber 115A, a pupation chamber 115B and a pupation chamber115C. The pupation chamber 115 can include at least one apertureconfigured to allow the emerged adult insects to exit the pupationchamber 115. In FIG. 6A, the pupation chamber 115A includes a pluralityof holes, including exit holes 145, that are sized for an emerged adultinsect to pass through. The pupation chamber 115A also includes aeratingholes 150 that are sized (i.e., small enough) to keep the prepupae andpupae in the pupation chamber 115A while allowing at least some airflowinto the pupation chamber 115. The exit holes 145 are located above theaerating holes 150 such that, in the case of flying insects, the adultemerged insects can fly out of the pupation chamber 115A. The exit holes145 and the aeration holes 150 may be shaped in any suitable manner. Forexample, the exit holes 145 and the aeration holes 150 can berounded-rectangular, round, elliptical, squared, an organic, freeformshape and any combination of suitable shapes. In the pupation chamber115B (FIG. 6B), the plurality of holes is replaced by at least onelarger exit hole 155 that is positioned at a distance, D, away from thebottom surface, B, of the pupation chamber 115B to help prevent thepupae and prepupae from escaping from the pupation chamber 115B whilepermitting the emerged adult insects to leave the pupation chamber 115B(e.g., by flying out of the pupation chamber 115B). The distance, D, canbe determined based on a desired number of pupae and/or prepupae thepupation chamber 115B will hold. In some embodiments, the desired numberof pupae and/or prepupae the pupation chamber 115B will hold isapproximately 10 percent of the larvae harvested, which may be about 50to 100 g per week. Some freshly emerged adult insects may notimmediately remove their pupal cases or have difficulty removing theirpupal cases. The pupation chamber 115C includes at least one taperedexit hole 146 configured to engage with at least one of the emergedadult insects to assist in the removal of the pupal case as the emergedadult insect(s) exit the pupation chamber 115. For example, the exitholes 146 are tapered such that the inlet 149 has a smallercross-sectional area than the outlet 156 (i.e., tapered towards theinlet 149), with the inlet 149 being sized to engage with and assist inthe removal the pupal case. In some embodiments, the exit holes 146 aretapered such that the outlet 156 is sized to engage with and assist inthe removal the pupal case and has a smaller cross-section than theinlet 149 (i.e., tapered towards the outlet 156). Removal of the pupalcases before the emerged adult insects enter the mating and ovipositionchamber 120 may help reduce the amount of dirt and debris in the matingand oviposition chamber 120.

The pupation chamber 115 may have a cover or top, such as cover 160(FIGS. 6A, 6B). The cover 160 can be a mesh structure, a plasticstructure or any other suitable covering for the pupation chamber 115.The pupation chamber 115 may be any suitable shape and manufactured fromany suitable material or combination of materials. As soon as theprepupae and/or the pupae emerge as adult insects, they seek their wayout of the pupation chamber 115 into the mating and oviposition chamber120.

The adult emerged insects, such as black soldier flies, will spend theiradult lifecycle (fly stadium) in the mating and oviposition chamber 120.The mating and oviposition chamber 120 is in communication with thepupation chamber 115 such that the emerged adult insects can exit thepupation chamber and reach the mating and oviposition chamber 120. Inthe example system 100, the emerged adult insects are able to exit thepupation chamber 115, through the exit holes 145, for example, directlyinto the mating and oviposition chamber 120. However, in someembodiments, there is at least one intermediary structure between thepupation chamber 115 and the mating and oviposition chamber 120 which isconfigured for the emerged adult insects to travel through to reach themating and oviposition chamber 120.

The mating and oviposition chamber 120 take a variety of shapes and canbe manufactured from a variety of materials. For example, the mating andoviposition chamber 120 can be generally hemispheric in shape oregg-shaped. For easier access to the interior of the mating andoviposition chamber 120 (e.g., for cleaning or other maintenance), themating and oviposition chamber 120 may be separable into two or moresections, as shown in FIG. 5 (sections 120A, 120B). The mating andoviposition chamber 120 may be manufactured from any suitable material,such as glass, plastic or plexiglass. The mating and oviposition chamber120 may be fully or partially transparent, or fully opaque. In someembodiments, a coating or a film (such as an ultraviolet filter film)may be applied to the mating and oviposition chamber 120. The mating andoviposition chamber 120 may be manufactured from a solid material, whichmay help contain odours from the larvae colony in the larvae-growthchamber 175 (described below) within the system 100. In someembodiments, seals are provided between one or more of the pupationchamber 115, the mating and oviposition chamber 120 and thelarvae-growth chamber 175 to help contain odours from 5 the larvaecolony.

Some insects visually inspect other adult insects to identify adult maleinsects and adult female insects for the purposes of mating. In order toaid in mating between the emerged adult insects, in some embodiments,the system 100 includes a light source 253 configured to expose theemerged adult insects with light including the at least one wavelengthof light 258 conducive to mating between the emerged adult insects (FIG.3). According to some studies, wavelengths of light in the visiblespectrum, such as in the range of 450 to 700 nm, may be conducive tomating activity (see “An Artificial Light Source Influences Mating andOviposition of Black Soldier Flies, Hermetia Illucens”, Zhang et al.,Journal of Insect Science: Vol. 10, Article 202). In the Applicant's owntesting, wavelengths of light within the ultraviolet spectrum, such aswavelengths of light between 290 and 320 nm in the ultraviolet-Bspectrum (“UVB”), have also been found to be conducive to mating betweenthe emerged adult insects.

In some embodiments, the light source 253 is ambient to the eggproducing chamber structure 105 and at least the mating and theoviposition chamber 120 is configured to transmit light including the atleast one wavelength of light 258 into the mating and ovipositionchamber 120. For example, the light source 253 can be the Sun, S, thattransmits light including the wavelength of light 258, such as the fullspectrum of sunlight, and the mating and oviposition chamber 120 can bemanufactured from a material that permits light including the at leastthe wavelength of light 258 from the Sun, S, to be transmitted into themating and oviposition chamber 120, such as glass, an ultra-violet lighttransmissive plexiglass or a netting material (FIG. 3). The mating andoviposition chamber 120 may also include one or more apertures to permitlight including the at least the wavelength of light 258 from the Sun,S, to be transmitted into the mating and oviposition chamber 120. Insome embodiments, the light sources 253 is an artificial light source,such as a lamp, configured to provide artificial light including thewavelength of light 258. In some embodiments, the artificial lightsource is located interior of the egg-producing chamber structure 105.At least one example embodiment that includes an artificial light sourcelocated interior of the egg-producing chamber structure 105 is describedfurther below.

As described above, the mating and oviposition chamber 120 can includenozzle structures 130 having the oviposition region 125. Although theexample system 100 is shown with three such nozzle structures 130, someembodiments include one or two nozzle structures 130 and some otherembodiments include three or more nozzle structures. The egg-receivingapertures 135 can be a variety of suitable sizes and shapes. Forexample, in some embodiments, the egg-receiving apertures 135 arecircular in shape and have diameters ranging from approximately twomillimeters to four millimeters. In some embodiments, the egg-receivingapertures 135 are elliptical, square, organic, free-formed in shape orany combination thereof. The nozzle structures 130 can be arranged inany suitable manner in the mating and oviposition chamber 120.

The emerged adult insects may not feed on solid substances. For example,adult black soldier flies nurture themselves with a hydrating fluid,such as water or a mixture of sugar and water. The system 100 caninclude at least one structure configured to provide a hydrating fluidto the emerged adult insects, such as hydrating nozzles 165 (FIG. 2A).The hydrating nozzles 165 can be connected to a hydrating fluid source(not shown) and configured to provide the hydrating fluid to the emergedadult insects in a number of ways. For example, the hydrating nozzles165 may provide small ponds of hydrating fluid for the adult emergedinsects to drink from. In another embodiment, the hydrating nozzles 165may be jet nozzles configured to provide the emerged adult insects withnebulized water.

Additional nozzles, such as general nozzles 185 can also be included.The general nozzles 185 can provide additional vents for airflow betweenthe mating and oviposition chamber 120 and the larvae-growth chamber 175to help stimulate oviposition (described further below).

The nozzles structures 135, hydrating nozzles 165 and general nozzles185 can take any suitable shape. As shown in FIG. 2A, the nozzlesstructures 135, hydrating nozzles 165 and general nozzles 185 haveoutlets that are round or circular in shape. However, in someembodiments, the nozzles structures 135, hydrating nozzles 165 andgeneral nozzles 185 have outlets that are elliptical, square, organic,free-formed in shape, or any combination thereof.

The insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs pass through theoviposition region 125 into a larvae-growth chamber 175 (FIGS. 1A, 3 and7). The larvae-growth chamber 175 is in communication with theoviposition region 125 so as to be configured to receive the insect eggsand/or the neonates of the insect eggs from the oviposition region 125.For example, the insect eggs and/or neonates of the insect eggs may passthrough the egg-receiving apertures 135 into the larvae-growth chamber175 by gravity (i.e., fall through the receiving apertures 135 into thelarvae-growth chamber 175) or push themselves through the egg-receivingapertures 135 to get to the larvae-growth chamber 175, enticed by thesmell of the feed material in the larvae-growth chamber 175. The insecteggs may be laid in clusters and stick to the oviposition region 125. Inthese cases, the insect eggs may hatch in the oviposition region 125 andfall into the larvae-growth chamber 175.

The larvae-growth chamber 175 is configured to permit the insect eggsand/or the neonates of the insect eggs to transition into larvae. Forexample, the larvae-growth chamber 175 may be around in shape or have atleast rounded corners in order for the larvae to grow efficiently.Larvae tend to squeeze into edges and small slots that can reduce theefficiency and activity of the whole colony due to, for example, hotspots. Rounded corners and/or shapes may yield at least three results.Firstly, the rounded corners and/or shapes may permit the larvae topermanently and freely move through the feed material provided for thelarvae. Secondly, as the larvae move through the feed material, thelarvae aerate the feed material and provide pockets of oxygen for use bythe larvae. The aeration can help prevent the larvae from running out ofoxygen. Thirdly, rounded corners and/or shapes may lead to improved feedmaterial intake of the larvae, which leads to quicker growth of thelarvae and therefore better harvest conditions and quicker digestion oforganic waste which the larvae can feed on. The third result may lead tomore feed material being processed, reduced odour and a greater numberof larvae to harvest.

The larvae can be sensitive to light and prefer darkness. As a result,in some embodiments, the walls of the larvae-growth chamber 135, such aswalls 190, can be opaque, semi-opaque or partly opaque. Surfacetreatments or films may be applied to the walls 190 to achieve thedesired light transmissibility.

The larvae-growth chamber 175 is also configured to hold feed materialfor the larvae. For example, organic waste material to feed the larvaecan be deposited into the larvae-growth chamber 175 through the feedingdoor 195 (FIG. 1B) of the larvae-growth chamber 175. The feed materialmay also be pre-processed feed or germ plasma. As another example, thelarvae-growth chamber 175 may be separable from the egg-producingchamber structure 105 to allow for feed material to be directlydeposited into the larvae-growth chamber 175.

The system 100 can also include a nozzle membrane 170 (FIG. 1A) thatseparates the volumes of the mating and oviposition chamber 120 from thelarvae-growth chamber 175. The nozzle membrane 170 may be configured toallow at least air from the larvae-growth chamber 175 to flow through tothe mating and oviposition chamber 120, which can stimulate oviposition(egg-laying). For example, the nozzle membrane 170 may have at least oneaperture configured to permit airflow therethrough. In some embodiments,the nozzle membrane 170 may be included in at least one of the generalnozzles 185. In some embodiments, airflow through the egg-receivingapertures 135 of the oviposition region 125 from the larvae-growthchamber 175 into the mating and oviposition chamber 120 may besufficient to stimulate oviposition and the nozzle membrane 170 can beomitted. Hence, in some embodiments, the oviposition region 125 mayperform multiple functions, including providing a site for oviposition,providing a mechanism to transport the insect eggs and/or neonates ofthe insect eggs to the larvae-growth chamber 175 without direct humanintervention, and to permit airflow from the larvae-growth chamber 175to the egg-producing chamber structure 105 (e.g., to the mating andoviposition chamber 120) to help stimulate oviposition.

An interior membrane 180 (FIGS. 1A, 7) between the nozzle membrane 170and the larvae-growth chamber 175 may be provided to prevent larvae fromcrawling out of the larvae-growth chamber 175 through the nozzlestructures 130, hydrating nozzles 165 or the general nozzles 185. Theinterior membrane 180 may be a mesh structure or perforated solidstructure with suitably sized apertures to allow air to flow from thelarvae-growth chamber 175 through the nozzle structures 130, hydratingnozzles 165 and/or the general nozzles 185 without allowing the larvaeto pass through. An additional, secondary membrane 182 (FIG. 7) can beincluded to prevent larvae from crawling through to the mating andoviposition chamber 120 through any of the nozzle structures 135,hydrating nozzles 165 and general nozzles 185. The secondary membrane182 is configured to allow the insect eggs and/or neonates of the insecteggs to fall into the larvae-growth chamber 175 through the ovipositionregion 125. For example, in some embodiments, the secondary membrane 182is sized to leave at least a portion of the larvae-growth chamber 175 incommunication with the oviposition region 125.

The system 100 also includes a harvesting receptacle 202 (FIG. 5) forharvesting the larvae. In the system 100, the harvesting receptacle 202is a drawer or container that is nested or integral with thelarvae-chamber 175. In some embodiments, the harvesting receptacle is aseparate container that is exterior to the larvae-chamber 175 and thechamber structure 120. The harvesting receptacle 202 is in communicationwith the larvae-growth chamber 175 in that mature larvae are able totravel from the larvae-growth chamber 175 to the harvesting receptacle202. In particular, the system 100 includes at least one inclinedsurface configured to provide at least a partial passageway for thelarvae to travel from the larvae-growth chamber 175 to the harvestingreceptacle 202. For example, the system 100 includes a migration ramp207 (FIGS. 1A, 7) having an inclined surface 213 (FIG. 8) that connectsthe larvae-growth chamber 175 to the harvesting receptacle 202. When thelarvae mature (e.g., into prepupae), they usually enter a wanderingstage in which they seek drier and darker locations than the feedingsite to continue to the next stage of the lifecycle, pupation. Dependingon the humidity within the larvae-growth chamber 175, the larvae will beable to climb inclined surfaces of various degrees to a horizontaldatum, H (FIG. 14). Generally, the greater the humidity within thelarvae-growth chamber 175, the steeper the angle of incline, R, thelarvae will be able to climb up. For example, if the feed medium is dry,the larvae may find it difficult to climb up a surface having an inclinegreater than 45 degrees. If the feed medium is moist and the interiorconditions of the larvae-growth chamber 175 are humid, the larvae may beable to climb up an angle of incline that is almost 90 degrees. Theinclined surface 213 provides at least a partial passageway for thelarvae to crawl out of the moist environment of the larvae-growthchamber 175 to the comparatively drier environment of the harvestingreceptacle 202. As a result of this migration to the harvestingreceptacle 202, for at least some of the mature larvae, the need tophysically remove the mature larvae from the larvae-growth chamber 175in order to harvest the mature larvae is reduced. Furthermore, providinga desirable passageway for the larvae to exit the larvae-growth chamber175 may help reduce instances of the larvae pupating within thelarvae-growth chamber 175.

It is understood that the harvesting receptacle 202 does not need to bea container specifically configured for harvesting the larvae from thelarvae-growth chamber 175, but can be any container or component that iscapable of receiving the larvae from the larvae-growth chamber 175. As aresult, the harvesting receptacle 202 may be provided separately fromother components of the system 100.

In some embodiments, the inclined surface 213 is inclined at an angle,R, generally between 25 and 90 degrees from a horizontal datum (shown asH in FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, the angle R is between 25 and 45degrees. The migration ramp 207 may be curved. The migration ramp 207may have a surface treatment applied to the inclined surface 213 to helpthe larvae climb up the migration ramp 207. The migration ramp 207 maybe an open shape or a closed shape. For example, the migration ramp 207could be a tube that is closed at both ends having suitably sizedapertures about the circumference of the tube to allow the larvae toclimb into the migration ramp 207 and travel to the harvestingreceptacle 202. As another example, the migration ramp 207 could beconfigured as shown in FIG. 8 as an open tubular structure with accessapertures 218 to allow the larvae multiple points of access into themigration ramp 213. In some embodiments, the migration ramp 207 isformed from more than one section, such a tube divided into two halves.In some embodiments, the system 100 includes more than migration ramp207.

It is understood that the inclined surface 213 does not have to providea complete or direct path or passageway to the harvesting receptacle202. For example, the larvae may travel over the inclined surface 213 incombination with other surfaces that are not inclined to reach theharvesting receptacle 202. As a result, the inclined surface 213 wouldprovide at least a partial passageway for the larvae to travel from thelarvae-growth chamber to the harvesting receptacle.

After climbing up the migration ramp 207, the mature larvae can fallthrough a harvest opening 228 into the harvesting receptacle 202 where auser of the system 100 may harvest the mature larvae (FIG. 3). In someembodiments, the harvesting receptacle 202 is insulated to pre-cool themature larvae. The insects will usually be consumed as larvae orprepupae. In some embodiments, the harvesting receptacle 202 may have atemperature control system, such as a cooling system (not shown), thatoperates to maintain the interior environment of the harvestingreceptacle 202 at a desired temperature to prevent the larvae frompupating into adult insects and/or kill the larvae (e.g., by freezingthe larvae). In some embodiments, the cooling system is activatedintermittently. The user may not want to freeze or cool the larvae, butwould like to use the harvested larvae to restart the insect lifecycle.In some embodiments, the cooling system is not active all the time, butactivated only at times and for durations sufficient to kill the larvaein the harvesting receptacle 202 or to put the larvae into a dormantstate.

The system 100 may include a device or devices to manage the interiorenvironment of one or more of the egg-producing chamber structure 105,the larvae-growth chamber 175 and the harvesting receptacle 202. Forexample, the system 100 can include a ventilation unit 233 thatregulates micro-climate conditions of one or more of the egg-producingchamber structure 105, the larvae-growth chamber 175 and the harvestingreceptacle 202. The ventilation unit 233 may regulate one or moretemperature and humidity, and may be adjusted through regulatorsinstalled interior of the system 100.

A protective cap 223 (FIG. 3) prevents mature larvae from escaping. Insome embodiments, the protective cap 223 is transparent and provides away for a user of the system 100 to observe at least part of thelifecycle of the insects.

The emerged adult insects will likely die in the mating and ovipositionchamber 120. The system 100 can include a dead insect trap 238 whichdead insects can fall into and through to a waste receptacle 243. Atleast one interior wall 248 of the mating and oviposition chamber 120can be shaped to aid in guiding dead insects to the dead insect trap238. For example, the interior wall 248 (FIG. 1A) is curved towards thedead insect trap 238. The dead insect trap 238 can be any suitableshape. For example, the inlet of the dead insect trap 238 has a circularshape. However, the inlet of the dead insect trap 238 can have a slot,square or other suitable shape. In some embodiments, system 100 includesa vacuum device (not shown) operatively connected to the dead insecttrap 238 to draw dead insects into the dead insect trap 238 and into thewaste receptacle 243.

The waste receptacle 243 is also configured to receive feces from thelarvae in the larvae-growth chamber 175 as well as the dead insects. Forexample, the waste receptacle 243 can be in communication with both thelarvae-growth chamber 175 via a set of apertures in the larvae-growthchamber (not shown) and the dead insect trap 238. The larvae feces,diluted with water, may be used as a fertilizer for plants.

FIG. 9 depicts a flowchart of an example method 300 for breeding andharvesting insects. In order to assist with in the explanation of themethod 300, it will be assumed that the method 300 is performed usingthe system 100. However, it is to be understood that the system 100and/or the method 300 can be varied, and need not work exactly asdiscussed herein in conjunction with each other, and that suchvariations are within the scope of the described systems and methods. Itis also understood that the method 300 need not be performed in theexact sequence as shown unless otherwise indicated; and likewise variousblocks may be performed in parallel rather than in sequence; hence theelements of the method 300 are referred to as “blocks” rather than“steps”. It is also understood that the method 300 can be implemented onvariations of the system 100 as well.

At block 305, an egg-producing chamber structure, such as theegg-producing chamber structure 105, that is configured to receiveinsect pupae for pupation and to permit the emerged adult insects tomate and oviposit insect eggs is provided. As in the egg-producingchamber structure 105, the provided egg-producing chamber structure caninclude one or more chambers. In some embodiments, multiple insectlifecycle stages are at least started in the same chamber. In someembodiments, one or more of insect lifecycle stages are performed inseparate chambers. Hydration structures configured to provide ahydrating fluid to the emerged adult insects could also be provided inthe chamber structure, such as the hydration nozzles 165 of theegg-producing chamber structure 105.

At block 310, the emerged adult insects are exposed to light includingat least one wavelength of light that is conducive to mating between theemerged adult insects, such as light including the wavelength of light258. In some embodiments, exposing the emerged adult insects to lightincluding the at least one wavelength of light conducive to matingincludes exposing the emerged adult insects to ambient light (e.g., tolight that is ambient to the egg-producing chamber structure). In someother embodiments, exposing the emerged adult insects to light includingthe at least one wavelength of light conducive to mating includesexposing the emerged adult insects to artificial light. For example, alamp configured to provide light including the wavelength of light 258may be used to perform block 310.

At block 315, the insect eggs and/or the neonates of the insect eggs arereceived in at least one oviposition region of the chamber structure,such as the oviposition region 125 of the chamber structure 105.

At block 320, a larvae-growth chamber, such as the larvae-growth chamber175, that is in communication with the at least one oviposition regionso as to be configured to receive at least one of the insect eggs andneonates of the insect eggs from the at least one oviposition region,such as the oviposition region 125, is provided. The providedlarvae-growth chamber is configured to permit the insect eggs (andneonates of the insect eggs) to transition into larvae and to hold feedmaterial for the larvae. For example, as described above, thelarvae-growth chamber 175 may be round in shape in order for the larvaeto grow efficiently and the walls of the larvae-growth chamber 175, suchas walls 190, can be opaque, semi-opaque or partly opaque. Thelarvae-growth chamber 175 may also include the feeding door 195 that canbe opened to deposit the feed material into the larvae growth chamber175.

At block 325, at least one inclined surface, such as the inclinedsurface 213 of the migration ramp 207, is provided to permit the larvaeto travel at least partly from the larvae-growth chamber to a harvestingreceptacle, such as the harvesting receptacle 202.

FIGS. 10 to 16, which show another embodiment of a system for breedingand harvesting insects, an example system 400. The example system 400 isat least partially enclosed and can be used to breed and harvest blacksoldier flies and their larvae. In some embodiments, the system 400 isused for breeding and harvesting other insect species. The system 400shares some features with system 100 and like features have like numbersbeginning with a “4” rather than a “1” or a “2”. Although the system 400shares some features with the system 100, the system 400 does include atleast one alternative or additional feature. These differences will bediscussed further below.

The system 400 includes an egg-producing chamber structure 405configured to receive insect pupae for pupation and to permit emergedadult insects to mate and oviposit eggs. The egg-producing chamberstructure 405 may be any suitable shape and size. The egg-producingchamber structure 405 can include one or more chambers. Similarly to thesystem 100, the egg-producing chamber structure 405 can include morethan one chamber structure, such as a pupation chamber 415 and a matingand oviposition chamber 420 (FIG. 11). In some embodiments, multipleinsect lifecycle stages are at least started in the same chamber. Insome embodiments, one or more insect lifecycle stages are performed inseparate chambers. Particular features of the pupation chamber 415 andthe mating and oviposition chamber 420 are described further below.

The egg-producing chamber structure 405 includes at least one egg-layingor oviposition region 425 (FIG. 12A) that is configured to receive theinsect eggs and to allow at least one of the insect eggs and neonates ofthe insect eggs to pass therethrough. For example, in some embodiments,the at least one oviposition region 425 is included in at least onenozzle structure 430 (FIG. 12B) in the egg-producing chamber structure405. However, any suitable location for the oviposition region 425 inthe egg-producing chamber structure 420 is contemplated.

The oviposition region 425 can take any suitable configuration thatallows at least one of the insect eggs and the neonates of the insecteggs to pass through. For example, the oviposition region 425 caninclude at least one egg-receiving aperture 435 (FIG. 12) sized to allowat least one of the insect eggs and the neonates of the insect eggs topass through. The oviposition region 425 can include at least one of amesh structure and a perforated solid structure. For example, theoviposition region 425 can be formed as a perforated solid structure,shown in FIG. 12A as a membrane 440 interior of the nozzle structure430. FIGS. 12B to 12D depict an example mesh structure 441 (FIG. 12C) inan oviposition cup 442 interior of the nozzle structure 430 (FIGS. 12C,12D). The mesh structure 441 can be formed from a 2 millimeters diameteraluminum mesh. In some embodiments, the depth, T, of the mesh structure441 from a top surface 447 of the oviposition cup 442 can be 10millimeters. In some embodiments, the depth, T, is 50 millimeters. Insome embodiments, the oviposition region 425 can include a combinationof perforated solid structures and mesh structures. In some embodiments,the oviposition region 425 includes at least one pair of ovipositionplates 436 (FIG. 12E) in which the at least one egg-receiving apertureis at least one oviposition slot 437 formed between the pair ofoviposition plates 436. The pair of oviposition plates 436 are connectedto each other in spaced-apart relation by spacers 439. In someembodiments, the distance, M, between the pair of oviposition plates 436is approximately 2 mm.

In some embodiments, the oviposition region 425 is removable from theegg-producing chamber structure 405 to, for example, clean or replacethe oviposition region 425.

As in the system 100, the egg-receiving apertures 435 can have a varietyof suitable sizes and shapes. For example, in some embodiments, theegg-receiving apertures 435 are circular in shape and have diametersranging from approximately two millimeters to four millimeters. In someembodiments, the egg-receiving apertures 435 are elliptical, squared,organic, free-formed in shape or any combination thereof. The nozzlestructures 430 can be arranged in any suitable manner in the mating andoviposition chamber 420.

FIGS. 13A to 13D show an example pupation chamber 415. Similarly to thepupation chamber 115B, the pupation chamber 415 can include at least oneaperture configured to allow the emerged adult insects to exit thepupation chamber 415, such as the exit holes 455. The exit holes 455 arealso positioned at a distance, D, away from the bottom surface, B, acompartment of the pupation chamber 415 that is configured to hold orretain the pupae and prepupae and help prevent the pupae and prepupaefrom escaping from the pupation chamber 415, while permitting theemerged adult insects to leave the pupation chamber 415 (e.g., by flyingout of the pupation chamber 415). The distance, D, can be determinedbased on a desired number of pupae and/or prepupae the pupation chamber415 is to hold. In order to perform maintenance and/or to deposit theprepupae and/or pupae into the pupation chamber 415, the pupationchamber 415 may be removably attached to the remainder of theegg-producing chamber structure 405 (e.g., to the mating and ovipositionchamber 420). The pupation chamber 415 may have a cover or top, such ascover 460. The cover 460 can be a mesh structure, a plastic structure orany other suitable covering for the pupation chamber 415.

In some embodiments, it might be desirable to expose the pupae andprepupae in the pupation chamber to heat. As shown in FIG. 13D, thepupation chamber 415 can include a pupation heat mat 459 interior of thepupation chamber 415. A cable 469 to provide electrical power to theheat mat 459 may be run, for example, upwards towards the cover 460 (notshown in FIG. 13D) or downwards underneath the mating and ovipositionchamber 420.

The egg-producing chamber structure 405 can include a compartmentconfigured to hold a hydrating fluid for the emerged adult insects. Forexample, the pupation chamber 415 can include a nutrient compartment 448configured to hold a hydrating fluid and/or a pad 466 (FIG. 13B) orcloth impregnated with the hydrating fluid. The pad 466 may be made fromfood grade cotton or synthetic materials. The pad 466 may be disposable.

The pupation chamber 415 may be any suitable shape and manufactured fromany suitable material or combination of materials. As soon as theprepupae and/or the pupae emerge as adult insects, they seek their wayout of the pupation chamber 415, into the mating and oviposition chamber420.

The adult emerged insects, such as black soldier flies, will likelyspend their adult lifecycle (fly stadium) in the mating and ovipositionchamber 420. The mating and oviposition chamber 420 is in communicationwith the pupation chamber 415 such that the emerged adult insects canexit the pupation chamber 415 and reach the mating and ovipositionchamber 420. In the example system 400, the emerged adult insects areable to exit the pupation chamber 415, through the exit holes 455, forexample, directly into the mating and oviposition chamber 420. However,in some embodiments, there is at least one intermediary structurebetween the pupation chamber 415 and the mating and oviposition chamber420 configured for the emerged adult insects to travel through to reachthe mating and oviposition chamber 420.

The mating and oviposition chamber 420 can take a variety of shapes andcan be formed from a variety of materials. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11,the mating and oviposition chamber 420 can be generally hemispheric inshape, which may make the interior space of the mating and ovipositionchamber 420 appear larger for the adult insects, such as flies. Foreasier access to the interior of the mating and oviposition chamber 420(e.g., for cleaning or other maintenance), the mating and ovipositionchamber 420 may be separable into two or more sections and/or removablyattached to the remainder of the egg-producing chamber structure 405and/or the system 400. The mating and oviposition chamber 420 may bemanufactured from any suitable material, such as glass, plastic orplexiglass. The mating and oviposition chamber 420 may be fully orpartially transparent, or fully opaque. In some embodiments, a coatingor film (such as an ultraviolet filter film) may be applied to at leastone portion of the mating and oviposition chamber 420. The mating andoviposition chamber 420 may be manufactured from a solid material, whichmay help contain odours from the larvae colony in the larvae-growthchamber 475 (described below) within the system 400. In someembodiments, seals are provided between one or more of the pupationchamber 415, the mating and oviposition chamber 120 and thelarvae-growth chamber 475 to help contain odours from the larvae colony.

Similarly to the system 100, in order to aid in mating between theemerged adult insects, in some embodiments, the system 400 includes alight source 453 (FIG. 14) configured to expose the emerged adultinsects to light including at least one wavelength of light 458conducive to mating between the emerged adult insects. In someembodiments, the light source 453 is ambient to the egg-producingchamber structure 405 and at least the mating and oviposition chamber420 is configured to transmit light of the at least one wavelength oflight 458 into the mating and oviposition chamber 420. For example, asin the system 100, the light source 453 can be the Sun that transmitslight including the wavelength of light 458, such as the full spectrumof sunlight, and the mating and oviposition chamber 420 can bemanufactured from a material that permits the light including the atleast the wavelength of light 458 from the Sun, S, to be transmittedinto the mating and oviposition chamber 420, such as glass, anultra-violet light transmissive plexiglass or a netting material. Themating and oviposition chamber 420 may also include one or moreapertures to permit light including the at least the wavelength of light458 from the Sun, S, to be transmitted into the mating and ovipositionchamber 420. In some embodiments, the light source 453 is an artificiallight source, such as a lamp 463, configured to provide artificial lightincluding the wavelength of light 458. The lamp 463 can include a bulbconfigured to provide ultraviolet light, such as a light bulb thatprovides light of a wavelength in the ultraviolet B spectrum. Forexample, a light bulb typically used to provide ideal conditions forreptiles without an undesirable amount of heat can be used (e.g.,ExoTerra™ E27, 230 Volt, 25 Watt bulb). As stated above, in someembodiments, it might be desirable to expose the pupae and pre-pupae inthe pupation chamber to heat. In some embodiments, the light source 453can be used to provide at least some heat in the pupation chamber 415,by for example, selecting a light bulb that emits at least some heat. Insome embodiments, the artificial light source is located interior of thechamber structure 405. For example, the artificial light source 453 canbe located interior of the pupation chamber 415 (as shown in FIGS. 11and 14). The pupation chamber 415 can be configured to house the lightsource 453 and to allow light including the wavelength of light 458 tobe transmitted into the mating and oviposition chamber 420 (FIGS. 11 and14). For example, the pupation chamber 415 can include one or moreopenings 462 (FIG. 13A) for light including the wavelength of light 458to be transmitted through. The openings 462 can have a lighttransmissible covering, such a mesh screen 464 (FIG. 13C) or glass. Thepupation chamber 415 can include a shield 467 (FIG. 13B) configured toprevent the pupae from being exposed to an undesirable amount of light(e.g., an amount of light that would inhibit transformation into adultinsects or that would be harmful to the pupae). The shield 467 can beremovable from the pupation chamber 415. For example, the shield 467 caninclude a finger hole 469 to grasp the shield for placement into orremoval from the pupation chamber 415. The shield 467 may also include agrasping member (not shown), such as a knob, to grasp the shield forplacement into or removal from the pupation chamber 415. In someembodiments, the light source 453 is held in place in the pupationchamber 415 by the cover 460.

As it will be apparent, the pupation chamber 415 can be configured toperform multiple functions. In some embodiments, the pupation chamber415 can provide a location for the source of hydrating fluid for theadult emerged insects, a site for pupation and a housing for the lightsource 453. Configuring the pupation chamber 415 to perform multiplefunctions can result in a more efficient use of the interior space ofthe mating and oviposition chamber 420, giving the adult emerged insectsmore space to travel about the interior of the mating and ovipositionchamber 420 and to mate.

Similarly to the system 100, the insect eggs and/or neonates of theinsect eggs pass through the oviposition region 425 into a larvae-growthchamber 475 (FIG. 14). The larvae-growth chamber 475 is in communicationwith the oviposition region 425 so as to be configured to receive theinsect eggs and/or the neonates of the insect eggs from the ovipositionregion 425. For example, the insect eggs and/or neonates of the insecteggs may pass through the egg-receiving apertures 435 (FIG. 12A) intothe larvae-growth chamber 475 by gravity (i.e., fall through the eggreceiving apertures 435 into the larvae-growth chamber 475) or pushthemselves through the egg-receiving apertures 435 to get to thelarvae-growth chamber 475, enticed by the smell of the feed material inthe larvae-growth chamber 175. Similarly to the system 100, airflowthrough the egg-receiving apertures 435 of the oviposition region 425from the larvae-growth chamber 475 into the mating and ovipositionchamber 420 may be sufficient to stimulate oviposition. Hence, in someembodiments, the oviposition region 425 performs multiple functions,including providing a site for oviposition, providing a mechanism totransport the insect eggs and/or neonates of the insect eggs to thelarvae-growth chamber 475 without direct human intervention, and topermit airflow from the larvae-growth chamber 475 to the egg-producingchamber structure 405 (e.g., to the mating and oviposition chamber 420)to help stimulate oviposition.

The larvae-growth chamber 475 is configured to permit the insect eggsand/or the neonates of the insect eggs to transition into larvae. Forexample, the larvae-growth chamber 475 may be round in shape in orderfor the larvae to grow efficiently. The larvae can be sensitive to lightand prefer darkness. As a result, in some embodiments, the walls of thelarvae-growth chamber 475, such as walls 468 (FIG. 14), can be opaque,semi-opaque or partly opaque. Surface treatments or films may be appliedto the walls 468 to achieve the desired light transmissibility.

Similarly to the system 100, the larvae-growth chamber 475 is configuredto hold feed material for the larvae. For example, in the system 400,the larvae can be fed organic waste material, such as food scraps,through a feed hatch 473 (FIG. 14), which is connected to thelarvae-growth chamber 475. The feed material may also be pre-processedfeed or germ plasma. As another example, the larvae-growth chamber 475may be separable from the chamber structure 420 to allow feed materialto be directly deposited into the larvae-growth chamber 475.

The larvae-growth chamber 475 can have additional structures to preventlarvae escape through the feed hatch 473 or elsewhere from thelarvae-growth chamber 475. These additional structures can include smallthree-dimensional structures, such as a hooked substrate 479 (from ahook-and-loop substrate) (FIGS. 18, 19) that provides a barrier forcrawling larvae. The “hooked” surface of the hooked substrate 479provides small surfaces that are difficult for larvae to crawl over. Asshown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the hooked substrate 479 can be connected toan interior peripheral surface 489 of the larvae-growth chamber 475. Thehooked substrate 479 can be separately formed and then connected to theinterior peripheral surface 489. The hooked substrate 479 can be mouldedonto to be integral with the interior peripheral surface 489. The hookedsubstrate 479 can cover only a portion or discrete portions of aninterior surface of the larvae-growth chamber 475, such as the interiorperipheral surface 489.

The system 400 also includes a harvesting receptacle 402 (FIG. 10). Inthe system 400, the harvesting receptacle 402 is a separate containerthat is exterior to the larvae-chamber 475 and the chamber structure420. However, in some embodiments, the harvesting receptacle 402 is astructure that is nested or integral with the larvae-chamber 475. Insome embodiments, the harvesting receptacle 402 is insulated to pre-coolthe mature larvae. The insects will usually be consumed as larvae orprepupae. In some embodiments, the harvesting receptacle 402 may have atemperature control system, such as a cooling system (not shown), thatoperates to maintain the interior environment of the harvestingreceptacle 402 at a desired temperature to prevent the larvae frompupating into adult insects and/or kill the larvae (e.g., by freezingthe larvae). In some embodiments, the cooling system is activatedintermittently. In some cases, the user may not want to freeze or coolthe larvae, but would like to use the harvested larvae to restart theinsect lifecycle. In some embodiments, the cooling system is not activeall the time, but activated only at times and for durations sufficientto kill the larvae in the harvesting receptacle 402 or to put the larvaeinto a dormant state.

The harvesting receptacle 402 is in communication with the larvae-growthchamber 475 in that mature larvae are able to travel from thelarvae-growth chamber 475 to the harvesting receptacle 402. In contrastto the system 100, the larvae growth chamber 475 of the system 400includes at least one inclined wall portion, such as peripheral wall468, that is configured to provide at least a partial passageway for thelarvae to travel from the larvae-growth chamber 475 to the harvestingreceptacle 402. The mature larvae can climb up the inclined wall portionto at least one larvae exit aperture, such as a larvae exit aperture 478(FIGS. 14, 15), sized to allow the mature larvae to pass through theharvesting receptacle 402 positioned below the larvae exit aperture 478.The system 400 avoids having to manufacture a separate component toaccomplish this function, reducing manufacturing and assemblycomplexity. In some embodiments, the inclined wall portion is the entireperipheral wall or set of peripheral walls, such as the peripheral wall468, and the inclined peripheral wall provides the at least partialpassageway about the entire periphery of the larvae-growth chamber 475.As a result, the larvae would be able to travel to the harvestingreceptacle 402 about 360 degrees of the peripheral wall rather than berequired to find discrete portions of the peripheral wall 468, forexample, to travel to the larvae exit aperture 478 and, eventually, tothe harvesting receptacle 402.

Although the at least one inclined wall portion is shown as the entireperipheral wall of the larvae-growth chamber 475, peripheral wall 468,in some embodiments the entire peripheral wall is not inclined and caninstead be one or more distinct sections of the wall 468 that areinclined while the remainder of the wall 468 is not inclined (i.e.,either 90 degrees from a horizontal datum or zero degrees from ahorizontal datum). Furthermore, the larvae-growth chamber 475 caninclude more than one larvae exit aperture 478.

In some embodiments, the at least one inclined wall portion is inclinedat an angle, R, generally between 25 and 90 degrees from a horizontaldatum (shown as H in FIG. 14). In some embodiments, the angle R isbetween 25 and 45 degrees.

Similarly to the inclined surface 213, the inclined wall portion of thelarvae-growth chamber 475 does not have to provide a complete or directpath or passageway to the harvesting receptacle 402. For example, thelarvae may travel over the inclined wall portion in combination withother surfaces or components that are not inclined to reach theharvesting receptacle 402. As a result, the inclined wall portion wouldprovide at least a partial passageway for the larvae to travel from thelarvae-growth chamber to the harvesting receptacle 402.

It is understood that the harvesting receptacle 402 does not need to bea container specifically configured for harvesting the larvae from thelarvae-growth chamber 475, but can be any container or component that iscapable of receiving the larvae from the larvae-growth chamber 475. Forexample, a user may place one or both hands underneath the larvae exitaperture 478 to catch the larvae as they exit the larvae-growth chamber475. As a result, the harvesting receptacle 402 may be providedseparately from other components of the system 400.

The user may want to delay harvesting the larvae from the larvae-growthchamber 475. In some embodiments, the larvae-growth chamber includes alarvae exit plug 451 (FIG. 14) that is sized to engage the larvae exitaperture 478 and to prevent the larvae from exiting the larvae-growthchamber 475 via the larvae exit aperture 478.

The system 400 may include a device or devices configured to manage theinterior environment of one or more of the egg-producing chamberstructure 405, the larvae-growth chamber 475 and the harvestingreceptacle 402. For example, the system 400 can include a heating mat483 (FIG. 14) that heats the surrounding air to provide an airtemperature that is conducive to larvae growth. For example, in someembodiments, the heating mat 483 provides an air temperature generallybetween 27 and 30 degrees Celsius. As the heated air moves between thelarvae-growth chamber 475 and the egg-producing chamber structure 405,the temperature of the heated air in the mating and oviposition chamber420 may reach a temperature that is conducive to mating between theadult emerged insects, such as generally between 25 to 29 degreesCelsius. The heating mat 483 can be waterproof or otherwise impermeableto fluids. The device or devices included to manage the interiorconditions are not limited to a heating mat. For example, a ventilationunit and/or a humidifier can also be included.

Waste material, such as larvae feces and other fluids, can travel fromthe larvae-growth chamber 475 to a waste receptacle 443 that is incommunication with the larvae-growth chamber 475 (FIG. 14). For example,the waste material can pass through at least one waste aperture 488(FIG. 15A) (also referred to as “waste apertures 488”) in thelarvae-growth chamber 475 into the waste receptacle 443. Similarly tothe waste receptacle 243, waste material in the waste receptacle 443 canbe diluted with water and used as a fertilizer for plants. In someembodiments, the waste receptacle 443 is removably attached to thelarvae-growth chamber 405.

In some embodiments, at least one filter device 499 (FIGS. 15B, 15C) isincluded in at least one of the waste apertures 488 to filter excessfluids in the waste material passing through the waste apertures 488from the larvae-growth chamber 475 into the waste receptacle 443 andcontrol the amount of fluid in the waste receptacle 443 while preventingthe larvae from escaping through the waste apertures 488. The filterdevice 499 includes end rings 411A, 411B, fine filter mesh structures421A, 421B, filter material 431 and filter holder 441. The fine filtermesh structures 421A, 421B can be manufactured from any suitablematerial, such as stainless steel, and are of a fine mesh sufficient toprevent at least one larvae from escaping through the waste apertures488 from the larvae-growth chamber 475. The filter material 431 can bemade from filter pads used for aquarium applications, such the Aqua One™Carbo Pad. However, any suitable material for filtering the desiredamount of fluid flowing from the larvae-growth chamber 475 into thewaste receptacle 443 is contemplated.

Instead of exiting the larvae-growth chamber 475 through the larvae exitaperture 478, in some cases the larvae will pupate into adult insects inthe larvae-growth chamber 475. The adult insects they may exit thelarvae-growth chamber 475 through at least one one-way exit structure,shown as example one-way exit nozzle structures 493 in FIG. 12A, whichare configured to permit at least one adult insect that emerged in thelarvae-growth chamber 475 to exit the larvae-growth chamber 475 into theegg-producing chamber structure 405, such as into the mating andoviposition chamber 420, and to inhibit the at least one adult insectwhich emerged in the larvae-growth chamber from re-entering thelarvae-growth chamber 475 through the at least one one-way nozzlestructure. Although the one-way nozzles 493 are shown, it is understoodthat any other suitable structures that permit the adult emerged insectsto travel into the egg-producing chamber structure 405 from thelarvae-growth chamber 475, but inhibits re-entry of those adult emergedinsects into the larvae-growth chamber 475 are also contemplated. Forexample, apertures suitably sized to permit the adult emerged insects totravel from the larvae-growth chamber 475 into the egg-producing chamberstructure 405 but hinder reentry of the emerged adult insects into thelarvae-growth chamber 475 may be included.

Similarly to the system 100, the emerged adult insects will likely diein the mating and oviposition chamber 420. To assist with the removal ofthe dead insects and other debris, the system 400 can include an accesssleeve 498 (FIGS. 16A to 16C) that is configured to provide access to acomponent interior of the egg-producing chamber structure 405. Forexample, the access sleeve 498 may permit access to the ovipositionregion 425 for removal and/or cleaning of the oviposition region 425. Asanother example, the access sleeve 498 can assist in cleaning aninterior surface of the egg-producing chamber structure 405, such as aninterior surface 502. The access sleeve 498 can be removably attached tothe interior of the egg-producing chamber structure 405, such as to themating and oviposition chamber 420. The access sleeve 498 is configuredto be manipulated by a user's hand, arm or other implement to contactvarious surfaces of the system 400. The access sleeve 498 may include aclosure, such as a drawstring closure 504, at an end 506. When the end506 is open (the closure, as the drawstring closure 504, is notactuated), a user is able to slip their arm through the sleeve and holda cleaning item, such as a sponge, in their hand or pick up dead insectswith their fingers through the open end 506 of the access sleeve 498.The dead insects can be disposed of through the holes 508 in the matingand oviposition chamber 420 (FIG. 16A) and/or through the feed hatch 473into the larvae-growth chamber 475. The dead insects may also be removedfrom the mating and oviposition chamber 420 and disposed of externallyof the system 400. Some users prefer not to touch the dead insectsdirectly. In such cases, the end 506 can be closed (the closure, as thedrawstring closure 504, is actuated), and the user is able to slip theirarm into the access sleeve 498 and grasp the dead insects through thematerial of the access sleeve 498. It is understood that the closureneed not be a drawstring, but can include a variety of closuremechanisms such as buttons, hook-and-loop closures and clips to closethe end 506.

The access sleeve 498 may be manufactured from a variety of materials.For example, the access sleeve 498 may be manufactured from cotton or anet of woven material, such as nylon. In some embodiments, at least aportion of the access sleeve 498 is manufactured from a material thathas a texture sufficient to allow debris and/or dead insects to adhereto the access sleeve 498. The pupation chamber 415 may be removed fromthe egg-producing chamber structure 405 in order to attach and use theaccess sleeve 498 to the remainder of the egg-producing chamber 405(e.g., the mating and oviposition chamber 420). Insects that are removedfrom the egg-producing chamber structure 405 may be deposited into thelarvae-growth chamber 475 to feed the maturing larvae or disposed of inanother manner.

FIG. 17 depicts a flowchart of an example method 500 for breeding andharvesting insects. In order to assist with in the explanation of themethod 500, it will be assumed that the method 500 is performed usingthe system 400. However, it is to be understood that the system 400and/or the method 500 can be varied, and need not work exactly asdiscussed herein in conjunction with each other, and that suchvariations are within the scope of the described systems and methods. Itis also understood that the method 500 need not be performed in theexact sequence as shown unless otherwise indicated; and likewise variousblocks may be performed in parallel rather than in sequence; hence theelements of the method 500 are referred to as “blocks” rather than“steps”. It is also understood that the method 500 can be implemented onvariations of the system 100 as well.

At block 505, an egg-producing chamber structure, such as theegg-producing chamber structure 405, that is configured to receiveinsect pupae for pupation and to permit the emerged adult insects tomate and oviposit insect eggs is provided. As in the egg-producingchamber structure 405, the provided egg-producing chamber structure caninclude one or more chambers. In some embodiments, multiple insectlifecycle stages are at least started in the same chamber. In someembodiments, one or more of insect lifecycle stages are performed inseparate chambers. Structures configured to provide a hydrating fluidfor the emerged adult insects can be provided, such as the nutrientcompartment 448.

At block 510, the emerged adult insects are exposed to light includingat least one wavelength of light that is conducive to mating between theemerged adult insects, such as the wavelength of light 458. In someembodiments, exposing the emerged adult insects to light including theat least one wavelength of light conducive to mating includes exposingthe emerged adult insects to ambient light (e.g., to light that isambient to the chamber structure). In some other embodiments, exposingthe emerged adult insects to light including the at least one wavelengthof light conducive to mating includes exposing the emerged adult insectsto artificial light. For example, the lamp 463 may be used to performblock 510.

At block 515, the insect eggs are received in at least one ovipositionregion of the egg-producing chamber structure, such as the ovipositionregion 425 of the egg-producing chamber structure 405.

At block 520, a larvae-growth chamber that is in communication with theat least one oviposition region 425 so as to be configured to receive atleast one of the insect eggs and the neonates of the insect eggs fromthe at least one oviposition region 425, such as the larvae-growthchamber 475, is provided. The provided larvae-growth chamber isconfigured to permit the insect eggs and/or the neonates of the insecteggs to transition into larvae and to hold feed material for the larvae.For example, as described above, the larvae-growth chamber 475 may beround in shape in order for the larvae to grow efficiently and the wallsof the larvae-growth chamber 475, such as walls 468, can be opaque,semi-opaque or partly opaque. The larvae-growth chamber 475 may alsoinclude the feed hatch 473 that can be opened to deposit the feedmaterial into the larvae-growth chamber 475. As stated above, thelarvae-growth chamber 475 may be separable from the egg-producingchamber structure 405 such that the feed material can be directlydeposited into the larvae-growth chamber 475.

The provided larvae-growth chamber will also include at least oneinclined wall portion, such as the peripheral wall 468, that isconfigured to provide at least a partial passageway for the larvae totravel from the larvae-growth chamber to a harvesting receptacle, suchas the harvesting receptacle 402.

Reference is made to FIG. 20 which shows an alternative harveststructure 580. The harvest structure 580 includes an inclined wall 582that includes at least one helical projection 584. The helicalprojections 584 assist the larvae (not shown) in climbing the inclinedwall 582. In the example shown, the helical projections 584 may bedivided into upper and lower helical projections 584 a and 584 brespectively, with a circumferential ledge 586 between them.

Referring to FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B, a system in accordance with analternative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown at (600), andincludes at least one larvae-growth chamber (611). In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, there are seven larvae-growth chambers(611), however, other numbers of larvae-growth chambers (611) arepossible.

The walls of the larvae-growth chambers (611) may be very smooth andglossy in order to prevent worms from crawling out on the walls of thechambers (611). The chambers (611) can be made out of plastic materialsor any other material such as metal that has a smooth surface finish.Food grade ABS may be used as it is light-weight and easy to clean. Thesystem (600) further includes at least one harvest receptacle (616).

In some embodiments of the system (600) there is a cooling element (e.g.a Peltier element) in communication with the harvest receptacle. Anexample is shown at 606 in an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG.22. This cooling element 601 allows the harvest area to be cooled downto 15° C.-8° C. in order to chill the harvested larvae (shown at (601))and prevent from any further development into another lifestage.

In some embodiments the system (600) is structurally supported by aframe (615).

The system (600) may further include an oviposition inlay (612) with twooviposition regions (612 a), which is, in some embodiments, incommunication with the larvae-growth chamber tray(s) and is removablefrom the system (600). The larvae-growth chamber tray (611) and theoviposition inlay (612) are typically pulled out from the frame (615) bya few centimeters in order to allow feeding of the insects inside. Theycan also be fully removed for cleaning and/or disassembly of the system600. The oviposition inlay (612) can be in communication with each ofthe larvae-growth chamber trays (611) and features a mesh bottom andcontains a pupation area (617) (also referred to as a pupae area (617))in communication with the oviposition regions (612 a). In the pupationarea (617), pupae (602) may be placed manually. There, the adults (603)hatch out of the pupae and seek their way into the oviposition regions(612 a). The surface of the pupation area (617) can be perforated, mayinclude a mesh or may be shaped in any suitable way. The surface of thepupation area (617) may have a three-dimensional structured surface(i.e. with textures, bumps and depressions), which provide grab pointsfor the an adult (603) in the event that it is born on its back. Inembodiments in which apertures are provided in the pupation area (617)it is possible that the apertures can be sized to permit eggs to fallthrough in the event that an adult lays eggs in that area (617).

In the present example embodiment the oviposition regions 612 a eachhave a mesh bottom. The mesh can be made of stainless steel or any othermaterial. The mesh typically has a hole size of about 2-3 mm. Theoviposition regions (612 a) of the oviposition inlay 612 give the adults(603) a surface to live on and permit eggs (shown at (605)) that theadults (603) lay to fall through so that the eggs (605) are protectedfrom being cannibalized. The surface of the oviposition region 612 a mayhave holes as shown in the figures, but additionally or alternatively,the oviposition regions 612 a may have a three-dimensional structuredsurface with textures, bumps and depressions, which may promoteegg-laying in the adults (603).

In some embodiments the hole size of the oviposition inlay (612) mightvary. The pupation area (617) may look similar to a tower that isdesigned so that adults can slide down from the pupae area (617),however the surfaces leading from the pupae area (617) down to theoviposition regions (612 a) are slanted and of glossy surface so thatthe adults (603) cannot go back up again. This is to prevent the adults(603) from eating the pupae (602). Once in the oviposition regions (612a), the adults (603) may be fed any suitable food, such as kitchenvegetable scraps and oats, or on dedicated feed provided by a commercialseller. The adults (603) will start to mate and lay eggs (605) throughthe mesh bottom. The eggs (605) fall through to the larvae growthchamber tray (611) where they grow into larvae. In some embodimentsthere is a surface below the oviposition inlay which additionallystimulates the adults to oviposit their eggs (605). This can, forexample, be a structure made out of cardboard, wood or other organicmaterials.

Each of the larvae-growth chamber trays (611) has a bottom (621) to holdthe larvae (601) and their feed or substrate with removable lid (622)sitting on top of the bottom (621). This lid (622) is removed forcleaning or disassembly of the tray (611). Each of these removable lidshas another removable round lid (630 b) and a sensor aperture (623) thatis configured to permit the mounting of a humidity and temperaturesensor for the measurement of humidity and temperature in eachlarvae-growth chamber tray. The sensor aperture (623) is covered by acarbon filter (630 a 1) in order to prevent odors from escaping from thesystem (600).

The round lid 630 b is a cover for an aperture on the larvae- growthchamber tray lid (622) and is fully removable from the lid (622). Theround lid 630 b has a screen insert (630 b 2) and a removable carbonfilter (630 b 1) which sits on top of the screen insert.

The carbon filters (630 b 1) and (630 a 1) substantially prevents odorsfrom escaping from the system and small pest insects to enter thesystem. When the carbon filter is removed, the screen insert (630 b 2)allows small particles such as waste, dirt and manure of the larvae(601) to leave the system when the user removes the growth chamber fromthe system (600) and shakes the larvae-growth chamber with closed lid.The round lid can also be fully removed, for example in order to pourout the larvae (601) contained by the larvae-growth chamber.

The round lid (630 b) allows air to move into the larvae-growth chamber611 through the carbon filter.

FIG. 30 illustrates a shelf module that is designed to contain theelectronics of the system (600) as well as to provide structural supportto hold the larvae-growth chamber trays. It contains a heat source (642)(which may be, for example, a heat ‘sticker’ or a plate heater) with anintegrated thermistor, an LED (643), a humidity and temperature sensor(646), a fan (645), a PCB board (618) that connects the electronics tothe PCB motherboard (that is itself mounted within the frame 415 butwhich is not specifically shown) and a microswitch (unnumbered, butwhich is positioned below the sensor 646). The heat source (642), theLED (643) and corresponding cables are covered by an aluminum plate(647) in order to protect the electronics while still transmitting heatto the larvae-growth chamber tray sitting on top of it. All electronicsare controlled by the PCB motherboard and connected to it by PCBconnector boards in each shelf module. The sensor (646) and microswitchare attached to the shelf module (630 c 3) and inserts automaticallyinto the growth chamber tray through its aperture (623) where itmeasures humidity and temperature.

The heat source, the light source, the fan, the temperature and humiditysensor which monitors the temperature and humidity in the larvae-growthchamber, and the PBC board connected to the microswitch and the PCBmother board programmed to control the microclimate in the larvae-growthchamber, together constitute a microclimate control system. It will beunderstood that the control system may have fewer or more elementsdepending on the level of control that is desired for the particularapplication.

Ideal growing temperatures are between 25-31° C. with a relative airhumidity of 55-75%. In order to keep an ideal environment for themealworms inside the system (600), each growing tray is monitored forits temperature and humidity. A central control board (676) logs thedata and operates the fans accordingly. The fans (644) are equipped witha filter pad (630 a 1) in order to prevent odors to escape from thesystem (600). If humidity levels exceed 75% humidity, the fan isactivated and pulls air (shown at (699) in FIG. 31) from the outsidethrough the round lid (630 b), throughout the growth chamber tray (611)and through the carbon filter (630 a 1) to the outside again.

If the thermistor in the bottom (642 (integrated in heat sticker)measures a temperature below 27° C., the heat source is activated andheats up to 29° C., heating the larvae (601) to an optimum temperatureof 28° C. through the bottom of the larvae-growth chamber tray. Once theuser places the oviposition layer into the larvae-growth chamber tray, apart of the oviposition layer pushes the microswitch in thecorresponding shelf module (630 c 3). The system then recognizes thatthe age of the larvae (601) is 0, as new eggs (605) are being laid intothe larvae-growth chamber tray once the oviposition layer is inserted,therefore the age of the larvae (601) is 0 days. Harvest age is 98 daysin a current embodiment.

A harvest button (666) can be located on the side structure or somewhereelse on the system (600) and activates the harvest mechanism. FIG. 32illustrates the harvest mechanism area. This harvest mechanism can alsobe described as a separation mechanism. Once the insects are ready forharvest after a certain amount of time (in current embodiment 98 days ormore; larvae (601) are 5-6 mm length by then and 0.1 g per larvae (601)of weight), the respective larvae-growth chamber tray is emptiedmanually into the harvest area in order to separate the live, healthylarvae (601) from the rest. The harvest mix contains the harvest-agedlarvae, some percentage of which might have already entered the nextlifestage (pupae). The harvest mix also, however, contains carcasses andother detritus. This harvest mechanism is fully removable from the restof the system (600), and connects to the rest of the system (600) by amagnetic connector (672) that connects it to power when attached.

The harvest mechanism includes a harvest cap (661) with a harvest lid(6611) that prevents larvae (601) or dirt to escape the system (600)when the harvest mechanism is switched on.

The harvest cap and lid cover the harvest process and avoid that larvae,dirt or other material leave the system (600). In an alternativevariation of the system (600) an additional surface may be added on theinside as a crevice for the worms to preferably harvest in this area.

The harvest cap (661) contains a sieve mesh membrane (662) with avibrator motor (663) attached to it. Below is a harvest plate (664) thatsits removably on a heat source (665). Below the removable harvest areasits the harvest tray (616) that has the function to collect theseparated fresh larvae (601). The harvest tray (616) can be taken outfully from the system (600) in order to harvest the larvae (601), forexample to serve as a human food or as pet food. In the currentembodiment the harvest tray (616) is made from acrylic, however it mayalternatively be made out of metal or any other suitable materials. Twoembodiments of the sieve mesh 662 are shown in FIGS. 33 and 34.

In an alternative variation of the system (600), there is a dirt bucketlocated beneath the harvest plate (664). (only beneath the harvestplate) In such an alternative version the harvest plate has fine holesthrough which fine dirt such as the sandy manure of the larvae (601) canfall through and collect in such dirt bucket.

The harvest mix (6612) contains pupae (602), larvae (601) and dirt suchas manure, dust and other detritus (shown at 607). After the harvest mixis poured into the harvest area (shown at 608), the harvest button isactivated. The vibrator (663) starts vibration and allows the harvestmix to go through it slowly onto the harvest plate (664). The vibrationallows the sieve mesh to vibrate and to accelerate the separationprocess as well as to time it in a certain way so that there are nevertoo many larvae (601) on the harvest plate. Only the pupae (602) willstay on top of the mesh sieve (662). They can then be collected and putback into the pupation area in order to emerge into adults (603) (e.g.beetles) again and restart the lifecycle. The holes on the sieve (662)have approximate dimensions of 2 mm-4 mm in length (other dimensions inother embodiments possible) and are shaped so that the pupae (602) stayon top of the membrane while all the other worms, the frass, carcassesand other detritus go through the holes into the next area. The sievemesh is big enough to let the larvae (601) and dirt go through butprevents the pupae (602) from going through. The live larvae (601),together with dead larvae, frass and other detritus enter the harvestplates. A heat source (665) is attached beneath the harvest plate (664)and heats the harvest plate (664) up in a certain rhythm. In analternative embodiment, the heat source (665) is combined with avibration element in order to stimulate even quicker escape of the liveworms away from the frass, carcasses and other detritus into the harvesttray (616). In an alternative embodiment, the heat source is replaced bya vibration element.

In an alternative embodiment, the heat source is replaced by, orprovided in combination with a vibration element in order to stimulatequicker escape of the live worms away from the frass, carcasses andother detritus into the harvest tray (616).

In an alternative embodiment, the heat source is provided in combinationwith a light source in order to stimulate quicker escape of the liveworms away from the frass, carcasses and other detritus into the harvesttray (616) (the larvae (601) are light-sensitive). In alternativeembodiments, there may be light, vibration or heat only, or any suitablecombination of any of these features in order to stimulate quickerescape of the live worms away from the frass, carcasses and otherdetritus into the harvest tray (616).

There is provided at least one larvae motivation element selected fromthe group of larvae motivation elements consisting of: a heat source, avibration source, a mechanical agitator, and a light source, wherein theat least one larvae motivation element is positioned and activated toact on larvae (601) urging the larvae (601) to leave the harvest plate(664) and travel to the harvest tray (616).

The harvest plate (664) may be shaped similar to a plate, with a basesurface (668) and surrounded by an inclined surface (669) that allowfrass, carcasses and other detritus to stay on the plate (664) while thelive larvae (601) can crawl off without pushing the frass, carcasses andother detritus down into the harvest tray. The harvest plate (664) maybe made out of aluminum in the current embodiment but might be out ofmild steel, other metals, ceramics or other heat-transmissive materials.The plate (664) is shaped so that the detritus stays in the middle ofthe plate, while the active and healthy larvae (601) are able to crawlup the rim (i.e. surface 669) of the plate (which may be provided with arough surface or little steps engraved in the surface in order tofacilitate climbing thereon by the larvae (601). The outside rim portion(shown at 670) of the harvest plate has a very smooth surface. In thisway, the larvae (601) crawl on the rough rim and slide down the slipperyoutside rim in order to enter and fall through a passageway (671) intothe harvest tray (616) for collection.

FIG. 29 illustrates the lifecycle of the mealworm (Tenebrio molitor).The adult beetle lives for approximately 2-3 months. It may bepreferable to provide darkness and food materials such as vegetablekitchen scraps (e.g. carrots, apples, etc.) and/or oats and grain. Theinsects raised in the current embodiment of the system (600) may also befed on alternative materials. They may be fed on pre-processed feed orgerm plasm, or on any other suitable food. In embodiments directed tocertain types of beetle, it will be noted that each female beetle maylay around eggs/day, with an 80% success rate, which results in 28larvae/week. At 27° Celsius eggs (605) may only take about 4.4 days tohatch. In cooler temperatures, however, it might take up to 18 days. Thelarvae (601) hatch after these 4-18 days and can live for up to 9months. However under optimal conditions, they might only take 6 weeksto reach harvest size. Harvest size in the present disclosure is definedwhen a worm reaches the weight of 0.1 g. In some embodiments, the system(600) allows the mealworms a minimum of 6 weeks to grow into a suitablesize for harvesting. This time period may be different in otherembodiments. Accordingly, the number of larvae-growth chamber trays 611may be different in different embodiments.

After this period of time, the mealworm turns into a pupa. Inside thepupa, the beetle develops and it takes 6-18 days in order to do this.The ideal temperatures for beetles and mealworms are between 25° C.-31°C. air temperature and 55-75% air humidity.

The example setup provides these parameters through control of themicroclimate as described.

The frass and other detritus, diluted with water or non-diluted, may beused as a fertilizer for plants.

FIG. 27 shows two versions of holes in the perforated mesh in the pupaharvest (662). The holes are specifically shaped so that the pupa arekept on the surface, while the rest of the frass, carcasses and otherdetritus, and worms go through the mesh due to the relatively bigopenings. These openings currently have a diameter of 3.5 mm. Thesemeasurements might vary in alternative embodiments. Also, the shape ofthe holes might vary in alternative embodiments. 27.1 shows the positionof the vibration motor. The material in the present example is flexiblePE sheet. In alternative embodiments the materials can be other plasticmaterials or even fibers or textiles.

FIG. 37 illustrates a diagram 699 from a user manual for the system 600to show users how to use a particular embodiment of the system 600. Itis also understood that the manual may also vary depending on theembodiment of the system 600 being described.

According to some embodiments, the described systems and methods forbreeding and harvesting insects provide an enclosed environment for theinsects to progress through an entire lifecycle, from pupation toadulthood to death. During at least one stage of the insects' lifecycle,the insects may be harvested. According to some embodiments, the yieldmay be less or more than 500 grams. According to some embodiments, thedescribed systems are configured to allow a user to observe at least onestage of the insects' lifecycle. For example, features, such as theprotective cap 223 (when configured to be at least partiallytransparent) can be included.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet morealternative embodiments and modifications possible, and that the aboveexamples are only illustrations of one or more embodiments.

1. A system for breeding and harvesting insects, comprising: anegg-producing chamber structure configured to receive insect pupae forpupation and to permit emerged adult insects to mate and oviposit insecteggs; at least one oviposition region in the egg-producing chamberstructure configured to receive the insect eggs and apertured to permitat least one of the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs to passtherethrough; at least one larvae-growth chamber in communication withthe at least one oviposition region so as to be configured to receivethe at least one of the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs,wherein the larvae-growth chamber is further configured to permit the atleast one of the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs totransition into larvae and to hold feed material for the larvae; aharvesting receptacle positioned to hold larvae; an inclined surfacepositioned to receive larvae from the at least one larvae-growthchamber, and to provide a passageway for the larvae to travel to theharvesting receptacle; and a frame structure positioned to receive theat least one larvae-growth chamber on support plates of the framestructure.
 2. The system for breeding and harvesting insects of claim 1,further comprising a microclimate control system including: a heatsource, a fan, a temperature and humidity sensor arrangement whichmonitors the temperature and humidity in the at least one larvae-growthchamber, and a control sub-system programmed to control a microclimatein the at least one larvae-growth chamber using the heat source, thesensor arrangement, and the fan.
 3. The system for breeding andharvesting insect of claim 2, wherein the heat source transmits heat toat least one larvae-growth chamber through the support plate.
 4. Thesystem for breeding and harvesting insect of claim 3, wherein the sensorarrangement and a microswitch attached to the frame and automaticallyinsert into at least one larvae-growth chamber through an aperture onthe at least one larvae-growth chamber when the at least onelarvae-growth chamber enters the frame.
 5. The system for breeding andharvesting insect of claim 3, wherein the fan is operable to exchangeair between outside and the at least one larvae-growth chamber through acarbon filter.
 6. The system for breeding and harvesting insect of claim1, further comprising at least one larvae motivation element selectedfrom the group of larvae motivation elements consisting of: a heatelement, a vibration element, a mechanical agitator, and a lightelement, wherein the at least one larvae motivation element ispositioned and activated to act on larvae to urge the larvae to leavethe passageway.
 7. A method for breeding and harvesting insects,comprising: providing an egg-producing chamber structure configured toreceive insect pupae for pupation and to permit emerged adult insects tomate and oviposit insect eggs; receiving the insect eggs in at least oneoviposition region of the egg-producing chamber structure; providing atleast one larvae-growth chamber in communication with the at least oneoviposition region so as to be configured to receive at least one of theinsect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs from the at least oneoviposition region, wherein the at least one larvae-growth chamber isconfigured to permit the at least one of the insect eggs and neonates ofthe insect eggs to transition into larvae and is configured to hold feedmaterial for the larvae; and providing an inclined surface positioned toreceive larvae from the at least one larvae-growth chamber and providepassageway to permit the larvae to travel to a harvesting receptacle;and actuating a microclimate control system including: a heat source, afan, a temperature and humidity sensor arrangement which monitors thetemperature and humidity in the at least one larvae-growth chamber, anda control sub-system programmed to control a microclimate in the atleast one larvae-growth chamber using the heat source, the light source,the sensor arrangement, and the fan.
 8. The method for breeding andharvesting insects of claim 7, further comprising operating the fan toexchange air between the at least one larvae-growth chamber and outsidethe at least one larvae-growth chamber through a carbon filter.
 9. Themethod for breeding and harvesting insects of claim 7, furthercomprising: providing a separation area positioned to hold larvae anddetritus from the at least one larvae-growth chamber, and operating atleast one larvae motivation element selected from the group of larvaemotivation elements consisting of: a heat element, a vibration elementand a light element, wherein the at least one larvae motivation elementis positioned and activated to act on larvae urging the larvae to leaveseparation area and enter the passageway.
 10. A system for breeding andharvesting insects, comprising: an egg-producing chamber structureconfigured to receive insect pupae for pupation and to permit emergedadult insects to mate and oviposit insect eggs; at least one ovipositionregion in the egg-producing chamber structure configured to receive theinsect eggs and apertured to permit at least one of the insect eggs andneonates of the insect eggs to pass therethrough; at least onelarvae-growth chamber in communication with the at least one ovipositionregion so as to be configured to receive the at least one of the insecteggs and neonates of the insect eggs, wherein the larvae-growth chamberis further configured to permit the at least one of the insect eggs andneonates of the insect eggs to transition into larvae and to hold feedmaterial for the larvae; a separation area positioned to hold larvae,and detritus from the at least one larvae growth chamber; a harvestingreceptacle positioned to hold larvae; a passageway for the larvae totravel from the separation area to the harvesting receptacle; and atleast one larvae motivation element selected from the group of larvaemotivation elements consisting of: a heat element, a vibration element,a mechanical agitator, and a light element, wherein the at least onelarvae motivation element is positioned and activated to act on larvaeto urge the larvae to leave the separation area and enter thepassageway.